Implementing TPM

8Introduction

One manufacturing strategy receiving major attention recently is continuous flow manufacturing (CFM). This philosophy concentrates on the goal of maximizing throughput while simultaneously reducing inventory and operating expenses. By eliminating lost time in the manufacturing process, CFM expands the concept of zero to include wasted time. Included in the manufacturing strategy is an improvement process entitled Theory of Constraints (TOC) which outlines a methodology to achieve continuous flow manufacturing goals.

Although Theory of Constraints/continuous flow manufacturing and TPM have entirely different roots, the processes support one another. When both are effectively coordinated in implementation they can provide an ...